Senior Cup
Saturday 12, 17:51:03
Result:
The Senior Cup:
1st.Place — Oldham Band (Lees) (John Collins)
Test Piece: Diadem of Gold (G. Bailey arr Frank Wright)
Adjudicators: Michael Fowles & Roger Webster
1. Oldham Band (Lees) (John Collins)*
2. St Dennis (Darren Hawken) *
3. Redbridge (Richard Ward)*
4. Skelmanthorpe (Martin Heartfield) *
5. Hatfield (Stan Lippeatt)
6. Yorkshire Imperial Urquhart Travel (Jack Capstaff)
7. Ratby Co-operative (Mareika Gray)
8. Blackburn & Darwen (Jonathan Bates)
9. Lydbrook (Glyn Williams)
10. TCTC Group (Jef Sparkes)
11. Aveley & Newham (Alan Duguid)
12. Dalmellington (Richard Evans)
13. Northop Silver (John Doyle)
14. Newtongrange Silver (Anne Crookston)
15. Goodwick Brass (Matthew Jenkins)
16. Kingdom Brass (Ian Porthouse)
17. Jackfield (Simon Platford) **
18. Burry Port Town (Gareth Robinson) **
19. Staffordshire (Jonathan Pippen)**
20. Unite the Union (City of Sheffield) (John Roberts)**
Best Instrumentalist: Benjamin Richteon, soprano, Oldham Band (Lees)
*Promoted to the Grand Shield
** Relegated to the Senior Trophy
Senior Cup
Saturday 12, 17:02:56
Malcolm Wood's final thoughts and prediction:
Today’s Senior Cup has once again been a reminder that just because a piece of music is established in the repertoire (or dare we say ‘old’) it does not mean it is easier to play.
Brave choice this by the organisers, but one that took the bands down a musical path few want to walk down nowadays, yet the piece was not beyond their capabilities.
To compete on the stage at Symphony Hall to rub shoulders with the best in the business, you have to earn your place.
The end result has been a real mixed bag standard wise (from our perspective) and it will be interesting to see what Michael Fowles and Roger Webster have to say.
It promises to be a right good scrap though for the top six, with a number of bands in contention for the top four promotion slots to the Grand Shield.
4BR Prediction:
1. Redbridge
2. Skelmanthorpe
3. St Dennis
4. Oldham (Lees)
5. Dalmellington
6. Ratby
DHs: Aveley & Newham, Lydbrook, Hatfield
Senior Cup
Saturday 12, 16:58:16
20. Northop Silver (John Doyle)
A bold and purposeful reading from Northop Silver and John Doyle to close the contest.
It wasn’t without errors though, despite the good intentions of the MD. Hats off to them though as those blips never stopped any desire or commitment to deliver the goods
It was a shame that not everything gelled together because the potential was definitely there with the piece not beyond them.
Senior Cup
Saturday 12, 16:44:14
Reminder results in Pavilion Theatre at conclusion of the contest
Northop Silver and John Doyle is on stage as last band in this section. Then there will be a break whilst judges deliberate and the results will be in this hall for the section
Senior Cup
Saturday 12, 16:42:16
19. Lydbrook (Glyn Williams)
Another performance of the set test today that could give plenty of food for thought in the box. Robust in style at times, but it didn’t half bring the music out and make its mark.
Fair play to the MD, he ensured the detail came through courtesy of considered tempo’s and dynamic contrasts.
Lots to admire here, but who knows? It could feature, but then again…..
Senior Cup
Saturday 12, 16:21:03
18. Dalmellington (Richard Evans)
Music from an era that Mr Evans has imprinted on his soul and a performance that was an astute reminder that there is no substitute for experience.
This was your trip down memory lane and just like the boys and girls in the Kings of Brass band put together a few years ago, may have delivered it as well.
So much warmth and colour, so vibrant, and with tempos and dynamics that sent a shiver down the spine, this was an account that will create debate in the box we suspect. Could it divide opinion in the box?
Senior Cup
Saturday 12, 16:06:49
Results to be held in Pavilion Theatre for Senior Cup
It has just been announced that the results in the Senior Cup will be announced in the Pavilion Theatre at the conclusion of the contest.
This has been done to save the bands having to wait till the end of the Grand Shield in the Opera House.
Only three bands remain in this section
Senior Cup
Saturday 12, 16:03:27
17. Staffordshire (Jonathan Pippen)
The Cheltenham Section One finalist later this year, certainly gave it their all today under Jonathan Pippen.
Measured in approach, the ensemble really dug deep to deliver the goods. It was a bit of a mixed bag at times though with some sections becoming more effective than others.
Too many blemishes to make impression today.
Senior Cup
Saturday 12, 15:53:17
16. Goodwick Brass (Matthew Jenkins)
The Welsh outfit certainly gave an enjoyable account but one that also had too many errors for us to be a real contender today.
The players certainly got into the music, but it was the unforced errors that crept in that sent uncertainty around the band.
They dug in though and made sure they would not be defeated, but it certainly tested them.
Senior Cup
Saturday 12, 15:27:48
15. Oldham Band (Lees) (John Collins)
The Lancastrians certainly relished their ‘Diadem’ reading today and it was one that epitomised the hallmarks of the ensemble they have become. Full bloodied, purposeful and intense, nothing was left on the stage as the players gave their all.
Whilst not everything was as it may have been in rehearsal, the MD really did bring the music right to the fore. Tasteful ensemble and solo contributions, coupled with interesting tempos and dynamics made for an engaging listen.
One for serious thought in the box and one that the judges will either like or have it no where. Special mention must go to the soprano who we think is Benjamin Richteon, who brought so much to the performance.
Senior Cup
Saturday 12, 15:08:41
14. Burry Port Town (Gareth Robinson)
Burry Port is led in the middle by Cory’s Gareth Robinson and the late sub does a fine job of coercing a performance full of musical character.
It tested the band, but the MD certainly gave the ensemble a real opportunity to perform with freedom. Some sections worked better than others, with the players giving their all.
There were some tired lips in evidence at the end though.
Senior Cup
Saturday 12, 14:55:42
13. Hatfield (Stan Lippeatt)
Hatfield’s rendition was one of musical purpose right from the off. Not everything came off though as well as it could have done, but the desire, passion was there right from the off.
The tempo’s allowed the band to play and they responded by giving their all. The ensemble benefited from some excellent solo contributions.
One of those accounts scrapping for top six berth but just outside top four.
Senior Cup
Saturday 12, 14:39:21
12. Newtongrange Silver (Anne Crookston)
Interesting, very interesting.
A 'Diadem' that flowed musically from the first note until the last and was so well thought out by the MD.
Tasty dynamics and persuasive tempos coupled with effective ensemble & solo lines although some of the unforced blemishes could count against it being a real contender today?
The transitions between sections worked so well and the musical picture painted brought a real glint to the eye and a smile to the face.
Bravo MD. Lots of energy brought out here with her baton going towards the excellent percussion as last notes ended.
Senior Cup
Saturday 12, 14:18:35
11. Blackburn & Darwen (Jonathan Bates)
Blackburn & Darwen restarts the contest with an account that engages right from the off. A little quicker at times than some of the accounts before it. There were occasions where it needed a little bit more space and time to make an impression.
The playing wasn't bad though, but not all of the detail was evident due to the tempos. You never know though, could resonate in the box, which is only opinion that really counts today. Messrs Fowles and Webster will place in order of merit 1-20.
Senior Cup
Saturday 12, 13:40:33
Malcolm Wood’s half way thoughts:
Diadem of Gold has proved to be a stern test so far today with not many bands getting away unscathed nor many really convincing performances.
As older test pieces have shown here and at other contests over the years, established pieces take some playing by the bands and insight from the MD>
Sop players have been tested both individually and dynamically at times. This is close at the top but game on in the second half that starts at 2pm.
Half Way Prediction:
1. Redbridge
2. Skelmanthorpe
3. St Dennis
Senior Cup
Saturday 12, 13:32:18
10. TCTC Group (Jef Sparkes)
A reading that had lots to appreciate after unsettled opening. It needs a little bit more dynamic contrasts though to make an impression on us though. Solo cornet is a trooper with a fine contribution.
The final section works well and it’s a good close
Senior Cup
Saturday 12, 13:21:48
9. Skelmanthorpe (Martin Heartfield)
A fine account this, deliberately thought out and so well presented. There was the odd moment of treachery but it was nothing sinister. The dynamics and tempo’s were very well thought out and it built a performance of merit.
The ensemble worked well together and there was some fine solo contributions. One not to forget this at the end.
Senior Cup
Saturday 12, 13:18:22
Full Draw:
The Pavilion Theatre
Test Piece: Diadem of Gold (G.Bailey arr Frank Wright)
Commence: 10.45am
Draws: 9.45am & 1.00pm
Adjudicators: Michael Fowles & Roger Webster
1. Jackfield (Simon Platford)
2. Yorkshire Imperial Urquhart Travel (Jack Capstaff)
3. St Dennis (Darren Hawken)
4. Redbridge (Richard Ward)
5. Ratby Co-operative (Mareika Gray)
6. Kingdom Brass (Ian Porthouse)
7. Unite the Union (City of Sheffield) (John Roberts)
8. Aveley & Newham (Alan Duguid)
9. Skelmanthorpe (Martin Heartfield)
10. TCTC Group (Jef Sparke
11. Blackburn & Darwen (Jonathan Bates)
12. Newtongrange Silver (Anne Crokston)
13. Hatfield (Stan Lippeatt)
14. Burry Port Town (Gareth Robinson)
15. Oldham Band (Lees) (John Collins)
16. Goodwick Brass (Matthew Jenkins)
17. Staffordshire (Jonathan Pippen)
18. Dalmellington (Richard Evans)
19. Lydbrook (Glyn Williams)
20. Northop Silver (John Doyle)
Senior Cup
Saturday 12, 13:12:40
8. Aveley & Newham (Alan Duguid)
A reading from Aveley that grew in confidence and stature as it went along. The band took a little bit of time to settle but when it did the quality came to the fore.
There was just a little bit of uncertainty and caution early on to deliver an engaging reading throughout though.
A real pity the opening took time to resonate.
Senior Cup
Saturday 12, 12:40:29
7. Unite the Union (City of Sheffield) (John Roberts)
An account full of Yorkshire grit from Unite today. Full marks to John Roberts for his considered approach. It was just a pity that unforeseen blemishes got in the way to take the sheen off things.
Kevin Donaldson rolled back the years with his fulsome contribution on soprano, but whether it will appeal in the box is anyone’s guess.
At times it was an account where less is more could have paid dividends.
Senior Cup
Saturday 12, 12:22:07
6. Kingdom Brass (Ian Porthouse)
A 'Diadem' full of musical intent this and a trip down memory lane to contests of a bygone era ' we wonder if the MD has had some old 78s out on his turntable? Lots of warmth and colours came through from the opening bars and there was some excellent ensemble playing to compliment the solo lines.
The transitions between the sections were luscious at times whilst the tempo's were so well controlled. Only just into the second quarter of the contest, but one that could create debate in the box.
Senior Cup
Saturday 12, 12:08:33
5. Ratby Co-operative (Mareika Gray)
An intriguing one from Ratby. Well thought out and presented from the middle with a 'less is more' feel to it. The edge was taken off the dynamics with tempo's that did not stretch them. The sop certainly made a telling contribution.
It paid dividends though and the ensemble maintained its focus even when the little blemishes crept in.
Senior Cup
Saturday 12, 11:50:03
4. Redbridge (Richard Ward)
A purposeful measured reading from Redbridge and Richard Ward. This gave the ensemble the opportunity to relax and enjoy themselves and it certainly grew in confidence and security as it went along.
The dynamic contrasts were there and well thought out, with the odd bit of contesting adrenaline kicking in at times.
Senior Cup
Saturday 12, 11:31:47
3. St Dennis (Darren Hawken)
The marker. A fine (but by no means perfect) rendition that saw the South West outfit really get inside the music today. The Diadems really sparkled here.
Well thought out and structured the MD let his band play and they rose to the challenge. The nervous twitches didn't worry them either. They brushed those off and just got on with it.
The transitions between the sections were very well controlled and thought out. A long way to go today so who knows where this could finish but most definitely set the bench mark.
Senior Cup
Saturday 12, 11:17:27
2. Yorkshire Imperial Urquhart Travel (Jack Capstaff)
A rendition that never came off today. It just didn't get into the top gears as much as they tried. There was a lot of nervousness around the stand which was evident and could prove costly.
The reading offered potential, but it just didn't come off at all today.
Senior Cup
Saturday 12, 11:07:33
1. Jackfield (Simon Platford)
A bold purposeful account that had lots to appreciate but it just had too many individual slips at times that took the edge of things.
Well thought out though from the middle, but the errors will cost and huge respect for the sop player, one of those days when it just didn't happen. Chin up.
Senior Cup
Saturday 12, 10:40:47
The Senior Cup:
The Pavilion Theatre
Test Piece: Diadem of Gold (G.Bailey arr Frank Wright)
Commence: 10.45am
Draws: 9.45am & 1.00pm
Adjudicators: Michael Fowles & Roger Webster
1. Jackfield (Simon Platford)
2. Yorkshire Imperial Urquhart Travel (Jack Capstaff)
3. St Dennis (Darren Hawken)
4. Redbridge (Richard Ward)
5. Ratby Co-operative (Mareika Gray)
6. Kingdom Brass (Ian Porthouse)
7. Unite the Union (City of Sheffield) (John Roberts)
8. Aveley & Newham (Alan Duguid)
9. Skelmanthorpe (Martin Heartfield)
10. TCTC Group (Jef Sparke
Other competing bands
Blackburn & Darwen (Jonathan Bates)
Burry Port Town (Gareth Robinson)
Dalmellington (Richard Evans)
Goodwick Brass (Matthew Jenkins)
Hatfield (Stan Lippeatt)
Lydbrook (Glyn Williams)
Newtongrange Silver (Anne Crokston)
Northop Silver (John Doyle)
Oldham Band (Lees) (John Collins)
Staffordshire (Jonathan Pippen)
Senior Cup
Saturday 12, 09:25:33
The Senior Cup:
The Pavilion Theatre
Test Piece: Diadem of Gold (George Bailey arr Frank Wright)
Commence: 10.45am
Draws: 9.45am & 1.00pm
Adjudicators: Michael Fowles & Roger Webster
Aveley & Newham (Alan Duguid)
Blackburn & Darwen (Jonathan Bates)
Burry Port Town (Gareth Robinson)
Dalmellington (Richard Evans)
Goodwick Brass (Matthew Jenkins)
Hatfield (Stan Lippeatt)
Jackfield (Simon Platford)
Kingdom Brass (Ian Porthouse)
Lydbrook (Glyn Williams)
Newtongrange Silver (Anne Crokston)
Northop Silver (John Doyle)
Oldham Band (Lees) (John Collins)
Ratby Co-operative (Mareika Gray)
Redbridge (Richard Ward)
Skelmanthorpe (Martin Heartfield)
St Dennis (Darren Hawken)
Staffordshire (Jonathan Pippen)
TCTC Group (Jef Sparkes)
Unite the Union (City of Sheffield) (John Roberts)
Yorkshire Imperial Urquhart Travel (Jack Capstaff)
